|
| ear·nest [ úrnəst ] |
adjective |
|
| Definition: |
| |
1. serious and solemn: intensely or excessively serious and grave in manner or attitude
  an earnest expression
earnest discussions about privacy and propriety
|
2. done in deeply sincere way: undertaken or made in a spirit of deep sincerity and conviction, or with deep feeling
He interrupted me with an earnest assurance of help and support.
|
| [ Old English eornost< Germanic] |
|
| ear·nest·ly adverb |
| ear·nest·ness noun |
|
|
in earnest
1. serious and sincere in your actions, words, or intentions
Is she in earnest?
2. in a determined and purposeful way
Now the campaign would begin in earnest.
|
